North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores — Attraction in Pine Knoll Shores

HOMESCHOOLERS AND OTHERS WITH SPECIAL DISCOUNT PROGRAMS, BEWARE SUDDEN POLICY CHANGES

I am so sad to be making this review, but homeschoolers: beware the customer relations desk and their attitude toward homeschoolers. Every year, we visit this aquarium when our family comes to the beach. We follow all rules, make sure we have our documentation, and go to the customer relations desk as instructed. That’s where the trouble happened: I approached the customer relations desk with three excited children and my documentation. Per aquarium policy, homeschoolers are allotted one free aquarium trip per year, as long as we have our documentation and an ID for the parent on the registration. This has always covered our entire family - two adults and three children, for multiple years. This year, I simply stated, with a smile, “we are a homeschool family. He’s our registration,” and Susan audibly scoffed at me, mumbling something about “already had questions about homeschoolers and holidays”, then demanded, not asked, for the age of my children. When I told her, again, very kindly, she barked back that I WOULD be paying for my youngest child because he “isn’t school-aged”. He is a preschool-aged child. This has never been the case in years past. Her tone was condescending and overall rude, and her counter-part standing next to her rolled her eyes when I said we were a homeschooling family. My children are old enough to understand social nuances and noticed immediately that their reaction was to the words “homeschool family”. Her entire demeanor changed at those words. We have never had a bad experience at this or any other NC Aquarium, so this is entirely out of the ordinary and shocking, to be honest. It really put a damper on the experience as we felt ostracized at the very start of our visit just for being homeschoolers. I would imagine those in customer relations would know how to be kind, considerate, and attentive to customer’s needs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If the policy had changed, we would have understood and moved on. If it was because it was a holiday, we still would have understood and moved on. No such explanation was given, and I was not even given an opportunity to ask about a policy change. I was so rattled by her condescension and rudeness that I paid for my youngest child, then called the other homeschool family coming with us to make sure they would still be able to attend.

From now on, if we choose to return, we will call ahead to make sure the policy will be upheld as it normally is. I suggest any other homeschoolers do the same as the policy seems to be upheld differently depending on the attitude of individual employees toward...

Had a nice family trip to the aquarium. Outside was a temporary sand display and an interesting school of fish fountain. Inside most employees were wearing masks and sign outside stated masks required, which we complied, but as we saw not enforced. Passing by Information leads to a photo station you can decide to stop at and then at the end of the aquarium walk pick up your prints for different pricing for number, keychain, or frames. Next an interesting waterfall room then on to the aquarium. Set up in a fashion of explaining the interconnection of the eco system one area leads to another (water run off, ditch dwellers, marsh, coastal plains, and the ocean). There is an outside section leading to a marsh area where there are two rescued flightless eagles, turtles, and snake exhibits - also with some bird spotting piers jutting into the swampy area. All of this is deck planked but there is also a 1/4 mile natural walking trail. Signage and information are well posted and times for feedings are listed. Got to see the giant snapping turtle eat as well as longnosed gar, and "feeding frenzy" in the largest tank containing many large ocean fish and the sharks. There are some giant frog statues most were taking advantage of for photo ops, as we did, placing their kiddos on top. Also an alligator photo spot. There are two touch pools for the little ones - first the rays and skates and second shells, hermit crabs, horseshoe crab, star fish, anemone, and conch. The gift shop and kids play area are last (and aforementioned photo pick up). There is a mini Dairy Queen attached to the outside exit with outdoor seating and a hurricane wind simulator booth. Overall a fun experience and wasn't too lengthy a walk. All, except the outside nature trail, is handicap/wheel...

Taking a day trip to the Pine Knoll NC Aquarium was an amazing treat! I went during the summer and was happy to see young aquatic enthusiasts working alongside the adult staff. All were very, very knowledgeable and passionate, and quite hospitable.

The atmosphere is literally amazing! Each branch of aquatic life is very well organized. From the little tanks for the babies, to the open petting tanks, to the huge shark tank, each display and interaction was beautifully attractive.

The caretakers and teaching staff are doing a wonderful job serving both the animals and the guests. The staff in the gift shop and at the Dairy Queen were also very friendly and helpful. They definitely aim to please!

The inside is very clean, well organized, and air conditioned. There is seating available, like at an art museum! The bathrooms are easily accessible, as well. On the back side of the aquarium you may walk a pathway to see the reptiles, and to observe the marsh, which beautifully touches the ocean. There are observation goggles. Outside you may also observe and read about the local plant life. There are guided tours, too! Outside there is even an American Bald Eagle enclosure, and I heard the tour guide tell other guests very interesting facts about the wildlife in the area, in NC, and in North America.

The Pine Knoll area of Indian Beach, NC is an amazing and beautiful place to visit. As you drive to the aquarium you'll notice the ocean on both sides of the strip. If you observe your GPS you'll also notice cute little island names, like Cat Island! Adorable! 🥰 I highly recommend that you visit the Pine Knoll NC Aquarium. Regardless if you're alone, as a couple, or with family or friends, it's a calm, yet exciting...